Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood has urged people to be mindful of their alcohol intake and potential for violence during the November rugby internationals as police forces brace themselves for an anticipated rise in domestic abuse.
With the Welsh rugby team kicking off their autumn international campaign against Australia this Saturday, the associated increase in drinking is expected to see police forces dealing with more complaints about violence within the home.
Figures released previously by South Wales Police revealed that alcohol featured in over 80% of all arrests relating to domestic incidents during one particular 6 Nations tournament.
Ms Wood, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees at Cwm Cynon Women’s Aid, said: “There have consistently been spikes in domestic violence whenever major sporting events are held.
“Domestic violence is never acceptable – now or at any time of the year. Alcohol cannot be used as an excuse for violence either.
“Perpetrators need to realise this and must control their temper before lashing out. If alcohol has an adverse effect on them, they should also refrain from over-doing their drinking in the first place.
“During my time as a probation officer I know all too well that drink can lead to otherwise calm and reasonable people to carry out physical violence they would never contemplate when sober.
“My advice to those people would be to refrain from drinking in the first place. At with Cwm Cynon Women’s Aid we are all too aware of the horrendous consequences of domestic abuse so I hope that Wales bucks this trend this autumn.”
The AM for South Wales Central added: “If anyone is a victim of domestic abuse then I would urge them to call 999 immediately if it is an emergency but for non-emergency advice and support they should contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline for Wales on 0808 80 10 800.”
